Darkside to Alaska

[deadwood]

So I finally decided to take my I/S on the trip from Albuquerque to the Artic Circle this summer. Since in the past 6 years I have had 2 rear MC tires blow out hundreds of miles from home I decided to go Darkside for a more durable tire for this trip.  Did a 205-60-16 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max with the fender nut mod. All went pretty smooth. Put 130 miles on it this weekend.  Everything from slow speed turns to 80 mph on the highways. I notice very little handling difference between it and the Metzler I removed. There is some but its very slight. The straight-line stability is great. Glad I did it. Overall for me its an improvement. This site was a great source of info on how to do it. Thanks to everyone.

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

Welcome to the Darkside    I am sure it will make your trip a better one! 

[X Ring]

Impressive first post.   

Marty

[Dave Weaver]

Take lots and lots of pics and make a detailed report of your trip when you get back.

[Jess Tolbirt]

be careful going slow on rocks,, the tire will tend to throw the bike to the side if you aint ready for it...
i went to turn around and drove up on the edge of a driveway the was about an inch tall.. the front tire rolled up OK and while turning the back tire rolled up and down we went...i couldnt hold the weight up... when Bev hears OH SH*T she knows to get ready to step off....

[mikeb]

welcome to the dark side just dont forget to grease the splines every15,000 miles.. real slow speeds can be rocky on uneven grounds.. just speed up   i switched both my bikes to the cts and will not go back ,,if my5'0 wife can ride an I S with a ct on it anyone can.. ride safe m.b.

[keythumper]

welcome to the dark side!

[Valker]

Read this Darkside to Alaska trip report: http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/23/alaska2004index.html

[Mildew]

It's always a good feeling knowing you have a real tire back there when your far from home. 

[deadwood]

Read this Darkside to Alaska trip report: http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/23/alaska2004index.html

Read it weeks ago. It was one of the reasons I went to the Darkside for the trip.

[Ken Tarver]

Deadwood....when are you headed to AK? I'm leaving N MS on May 25 on my Wing

Ken

[Bandit]

Welcome to the dark side,bring it over to Tucumcari on the end of May for the BBQ!   Bandit..DS#OOO11 

[deadwood]

Deadwood....when are you headed to AK? I'm leaving N MS on May 25 on my Wing

Ken

?

Mid June is the plan.
Gonna do the Dalton?

[Ken Tarver]

not doing the dalton Hwy Deadwood...many other plans tho

[Rio Wil]

Deadwood.....My Goldwing  friend and I are  leaving July 5th with a first stop in Skagway to meet the wives for a day (they are doing a Alaska cruise) then on to the arctic circle with several detours along the way.  Planning on about 25 days round trip.  If you get to the arctic circle sigh first leave me a note pinned to the sign.......maybe we can start a VRCC mailbox at the sign.  Best of luck on your trip.

[deadwood]

Deadwood.....My Goldwing  friend and I are  leaving July 5th with a first stop in Skagway to meet the wives for a day (they are doing a Alaska cruise) then on to the arctic circle with several detours along the way.  Planning on about 25 days round trip.  If you get to the arctic circle sigh first leave me a note pinned to the sign.......maybe we can start a VRCC mailbox at the sign.  Best of luck on your trip.

I'll find a good spot to hide a couple of beers......

[Daniel Meyer]

Rock on! You'll find your speeds and stability on the "questionable" roads will go way up.

Have a great trip! It's a life-changing thing!

[Rio Wil]

We will be happy to drink the beers and will leave a couple more for the next VRCC riders coming behind us....maybe start a tradition!